Parents of toddlers know that they can be a whiny bunch sometimes; it's called the Terrible Two's and Three's for a reason! But nothing beats a whinier toddler than one who is sick, the poor dear! Coughs and colds are a common thing for little ones, and they don't always warrant a visit to the doctor. But while rest and recuperation may be the ultimate remedy for them, toddlers can also benefit greatly from natural cold and flu solutions at home which battle the not-so-nice symptoms they are experiencing.
Eucalyptus Rub
One of the age-old natural remedies we usually turn to is the good old vapour chest rub, to soothe stuffy noses and annoying coughs especially for a better night's sleep. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in these, but just be careful in what form your eucalyptus comes. Because it goes directly on the skin, it isn't advised to use pure concentrated eucalyptus essential oil on young children as it can cause potential breathing difficulties.
It is thus important to look for an eucalyptus product which is effective while still being gentle enough for children.
Euky Bearub, for example, is an adult strength eucalyptus rub, but is specially made safe for little bubs even from 12 months and up.
Steam Vapours
As adults, we all know the comfort a warm cup of tea can bring us when we're having the sniffles. And so too can our little ones benefit from steam vapours that soothe their nasal and throat passages and provide them all-night comfort as they sleep. The steady release of warm steam in their bedroom helps loosen up phlegm and congestion in their chest and nose, so they can actually breath better and get the sleep they need to recover.
Euky Bear Sniffly Nose Inhalant contains a lovely blend of eucalyptus, rosemary and menthol that you can use with a steam vapouriser, like
this whisper-quiet one also from Euky Bear, a steam inhaler if you already have one, or simply in a basin of hot water (but please take extra care your toddler can't accidentally tip the hot water over themselves!) with a towel draped over for best effect.
Room Spray
The
Euky Bear Sniffly Nose Room Spray can be a great alternative for a steam vapouriser if your child is sleeping over at Grandma's, if you're travelling or simply out and about and your child needs a quick afternoon nap somewhere. Containing natural ingredients like eucalyptus, rosemary, menthol and oil of wintergreen, this product creates instant aromatherapy vapours that calm and soothe little sniffles. Because of its antibacterial properties, it also makes a good spray for surfaces your child will come into contact with, such as public restroom changing pads, shared toys, or hotel mattresses.
Sleep Routine
When your toddler is sick, it's easy to be overcome by compassion and pity that we allow them to “get away” with staying up later since they don't feel well. However, it is actually more important to keep up with their bedtime routine so they can settle down easily and get the precious sleep they need to feel better.
Euky Bear's Sleepy Time range, which consists of a massage balm, mist and inhalant (to be used with a steam vapouriser), is infused with lavender and helps little busy minds wind down for the day, relax, and prepare to drift off to sleep on their own.
Of course, what toddlers need the most when they're feeling unwell cannot be packaged in a bottle – it's love and warm hugs from you! With a little bit of patience and comfort, and some soothing solutions to help ease their symptoms, your little ones will be on their way to feeling better in no time!
